AfCFTA: YouTube Seeks Comprehensive Digital Trade Strategy For Africa

YouTube’s managing director, Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi, has called for a comprehensive digital trade strategy with a focus on the 7th protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on e-commerce.

Okosi who was among the key speakers at the Africa Debate 2023, which took place at the Guildhall in London last Thursday, spoke on, “Building a Comprehensive Digital Trade Strategy for Africa.”

He highlighted the challenges facing Africa in terms of digital infrastructure despite advancements in digital trade and e-commerce and debated the best path forward for a digital trade strategy was a focus on the 7th protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on e-commerce.

“I believe that digital trade has the potential to transform Africa’s economy and improve trade relations with the rest of the world. However, to achieve this goal, we need to address the challenges of infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and digital skills training,” Okosi said.

Joining Okosi on the panel were Michelle Chivunga, a Digital Trade Expert for AfCFTA and Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Global Policy House, who moderated the session, as well as Wayne Hennessy-Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, 4G Capital; Peter Njonjo, Chief Executive Officer, Twiga Foods; Toulay Oueslati, Head of Trade Finance & Commodity Trade Finance, Bank of Africa United Kingdom and Hardy Pemhiwa, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Cassava Technologies.

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The panel discussion explored the future of African trade and how the private sector can best support and prepare for a more integrated and competitive African trade environment. “Collaboration between governments, businesses, and financial institutions is crucial in creating an enabling environment for digital trade. This includes developing regulatory frameworks, financing solutions, and digital infrastructure,” Okosi added.

Organised by Invest Africa, a leading business and investment platform with over sixty years of experience on the continent, and in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation, the event was in its 9th year and focused on Africa’s trade profile through a comprehensive programme of talks, discussions, and networking opportunities.

Okosi is a highly experienced television, content, and tech executive with over 25 years of experience building successful businesses and brands globally. He has a track record of identifying and scaling new business opportunities, generating multi-million-dollar revenue streams, and delivering profitable growth.

Currently serving as managing director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, Okosi has been instrumental in driving the platform’s growth across key verticals, including music, gaming, TV/film, kids & family, news, and sports. In 2022, Okosi was named one of the UK Powerlist’s 100 most influential people of black heritage for the second year in a row.